yeah, well I was 18... the fifties weren't that far from the sixties, and that axe only cost $140.. add 2 zeros for one today ! it had a rippin' sound.. later I got a '68 Les Paul Custom in NYC for $350... still have it but it's being repaired... a long story..
meanwhile, good luck with the mandolin... it's a fun instrument and a nice colour for the palette..

btw I mailed you a copy of the new CD... there's mando on a few trax. Funny thing, as inexpensive as it was, I got to use 2 Royers ribbon mics on it so it sounds sweet.. those mics are lovely $3K each

plus the acoustic slide I use is an old shitbox Harmony that cost me $10... so one never knows